 and the Guyana LGBTQ+ Coalition’s Miglon Braithwaite (second right) ink the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Also in photo is SASOD’s Managing Director Joel Simpson (right) and SASOD’s Human Rights Coordinator Melina Harris (second left) (Photo: News Room/ August 25, 2022) </p>
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Visit Rupununi’s Melanie McTurk (left) and the Guyana LGBTQ+ Coalition’s Miglon Braithwaite (second right) ink the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Also in photo is SASOD’s Managing Director Joel Simpson (right) and SASOD’s Human Rights Coordinator Melina Harris (second left) (Photo: News Room/ August 25, 2022)
He says the underpinning aim of the new agreement is for the organisations to support each other’s work. That means boosting tourism in the Rupununi by making it a more inviting place for diverse groups of people, and for the coalition, safeguarding LGBTQ rights.
Once the organisations are able to improve the tourism package in the Rupununi, making it more friendly for the community, efforts will be made to have ‘Destination Rupununi’ listed on international travel sites.
Doing so is expected to attract more tourists and as such, more tourism business for Guyana. And President of Visit Rupununi Melanie McTurk acknowledges that there are big business opportunities.
According to her, the global LGBTQ travel market is worth more than US$218 billion- a significant sum that Guyana can tap into.
“… it is important for the Rupununi that we continue to equip ourselves with the skills and knowledge to appeal to an ever-growing market base to ensure that all visitors to the Rupununi are treated with equal respect and consideration,” McTurk underscored.
